One at a Time - A Busy Mom's Life

How do you keep tabs on what your child is reading or watching when they are at their friends' house? It is hard to do, isn't it? That is why we keep close tabs on where she is going and with who. She is a good girl with good friends. We make sure that we know the parents and had been to their homes. It gives us a peace of mind (kind of). I guess the older they get, the harder it is to keep tabs on what they're doing and who they're with; it's not as if it's as easy as searching for diet pill reviews online. Having pre-teens and teens in your household means being vigilant and trying to understand the teenage brain. Right now my daughter is still open to discussing things with me; she tells me what her friends are talking about and what she's heard from this or that kid. I try not to judge her friends and just keep an open mind. I don't want her to clam up for fear of retribution. Parenting should always come with a handbook. Things would've been much easier.

It seems I need to walk more than that though! I'm not on a diet, yet! I really haven't tried dieting because I always hear that diets don't really work (or do they?) If ever I am going to try dieting, I want diet plans that work and not just temporarily. It is also harder to lose weight when you are in your 40's, believe me. It didn't help that I had my son at 39 years old but you know what? Having two children in my 30's was worth it. I enjoyed my 20's fully and wasn't tied down. I don't have any regrets about that.

Well, it's not really THAT cold today, we reached the high 30's. yipee!! Seriously, I'm dreaming of warm weather. I probably have cabin fever but it's early and winter is not even half way over. I miss the Philippines, except for the air pollution and the traffic, of course. This photo was taken from the beach property that my mom owns. We are planning to build a beach house sometime this year. I cannot wait for it to start.

The kids are always asking me when we'll go back for a visit to the Philippines. They love the water because it's so warm. It is fun to go on vacation there but the expense is just enormous. We also don't have family who live nearby who can check on our house. We'll probably have to start looking at security cameras so next time we have a long vacation, we can at least check on the house remotely using the internet.

Yes, A turned 12 years old a week ago. Time flies... I'm starting to experience what other parents have experienced, she is embarassed to be held by me! Oh no! ha ha We were in the mall and I wanted to hold her hand and guide her through the crowded lanes and she said "Mom, don't hold my hand." Oh my gosh, I almost died! *sigh* But I know I'll live...barely. :)

She would rather spend time with her friends or do things on her own. Just last month, we let her watch a movie with her friends. I drove her to the theater and waited with her until her friends came. We let her go as long as her friend S is going, we know her and her family. I also made sure to lecture her to be aware of her surroundings and look for the exit signs inside the theater just in case there is an emergency. This was one of those times where she needs her own cell phone; I let her use mine so we have a means of communicating with her.

How long does this teen years last, is it really until 18 years old and then they'll be your best friend?